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Did you get everything done that you wanted during World of Warcraft's 10-year anniversary event? If you did, great, but if you didn't... well, still great because you're getting another shot at it. Community manager Bashiok posted on the forums that the team is bringing back the anniversary event for one more week, starting today at 1:00 p.m. EST and ending on January 13th at the same time.

The reactivation is confined to the North American servers, so players elsewhere in the world hoping for more time with anniversary antics will be sadly disappointed. There's also nothing new in the event, so if you have everything, you can sit this round out. Otherwise, log in today and start celebrating a decade of the game's operation... like, again.

Forum posting
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activisionanniversaryanniversary-eventblizzardblizzard-entertainmentevent-contentfantasyin-game-eventnewsnews-itemsspecial-eventwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 06 Jan 2015 13:00:00 -0500319|21125342http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/final-fantasy-xiv-celebrates-a-year-since-its-relaunch/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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As of today, Final Fantasy XIV has made it a full year since its successful relaunch. Producer Naoki Yoshida took the time to celebrate with a special letter from the producer, looking back at the past year of operation, both the pitfalls and the highlights. He also thanks the fans and especially the Legacy players for having stood by the game from a rocky inception to the present, and looks forward to upcoming patches, the pending Fan Fest, and the as-yet-unrevealed expansion.

Letter from the Producer LVIII
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anniversaryanniversary-celebrationanniversary-eventconsoleconsoleseventfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivin-game-eventletter-from-the-producernaoki-yoshidanewsnews-itemssquaresquare-enixWed, 27 Aug 2014 13:00:00 -0400319|20953290http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/20/final-fantasy-xiv-throws-free-week-for-its-first-anniversary/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Here's a good way to round out your August: by returning to Final Fantasy XIV for a free week courtesy of Square Enix.

The studio is celebrating the first anniversary of the game's relaunch (no, there never was a game before A Realm Reborn. You must forget... forget...) by giving a week of free game time to former subscribers. Anyone who previously played FFXIV can enjoy the title from Friday, August 22nd, through Monday, September 1st.

DestructoidFree login campaign
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anniversaryanniversary-eventconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-game-timefree-playfree-timesquaresquare-enixWed, 20 Aug 2014 16:00:00 -0400319|20949888http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/15/final-fantasy-xiv-reveals-more-anniversary-lore-and-events/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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The Final Fantasy XIV anniversary celebration continues to speed onward; players have already started to enjoy the Moonfire Faire festivities, but there's more just around the bend. The game's anniversary page has updated with details about the three returning cross-promotion events from Final Fantasy XI, Dragon Quest X, and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, allowing players who missed out the first time to get their minipets and vanity gear during the repeat engagements. But there's also a new event coming to the game starting on the date of the relaunch: The Rising.

Final Fantasy XIV Anniversary Page
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anniversaryanniversary-contentanniversary-eventbackstoryconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivin-game-eventslorenewsnews-itemssettingsquaresquare-enixFri, 15 Aug 2014 18:00:00 -0400319|20947747http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/08/final-fantasy-xiv-gearing-up-for-its-first-anniversary/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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In one sense, Final Fantasy XIV is approaching its fourth anniversary, since its original incarnation launched in September of 2010. But in another, more immediate sense, the relaunch was just about one year ago. That's what the development team is celebrating now and through most of August, with plenty of in-game events including the Moonfire Festival and several new contests for players to show off their creativity and affection for the game. The anniversary page is now live, and while it's not displaying everything just yet, there's plenty to be excited about.

Aside from another round of the Moonfire Festival, players can look forward to the return of all three major cross-promotional events as well as a special event called The Rising. There will also be a special 14-hour livestream event starting on August 22nd, a one-year anniversary login campaign, and real-life events at PAX Prime, Gamescom, and the Tokyo Game Show. Check the official anniversary site for more details, and get ready to celebrate a full year of a reborn Eorzea!

Anniversary Page
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anniversariesanniversaryanniversary-eventconsoleconsolescultureeventfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivin-game-eventnewsnews-itemsreal-world-eventspecial-eventssquaresquare-enixFri, 08 Aug 2014 16:00:00 -0400319|20944252http://wow.joystiq.com/2014/08/06/world-of-warcrafts-10th-anniversary-preview/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=WoW&ncid=rss_semi
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Ten years is a long time. Ten years ago, in 2004, I was 20 years old and entering my third semester of college--also entangled in endless piles of paperwork while I prepared to spend a year studying at the University of New South Wales in Sydney for the calender year 2005. Ten years ago, in November 2004, World of Warcraft officially launched.

The mark that WoW has left on the gaming industry is indisputable--but we're not here for musing retrospectives. At least, not yet. We're here because there's going to be a whole bunch of fun in-game events to celebrate WoW's first decade of existence, and Blizzard has given us a lovely preview of what at least a few of them are.

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10th-anniversaryanniversary-battlegroundanniversary-eventannouncementannouncementsbattle-petsbattlegroundslfrmolten-coremolten-core-lfrmolten-corginew-battlegroundpetspvpsouthshoretarren-milltarren-mill-southshorewarcraft-10-yearswarcraft-annworld-pvpwow-10-yearswow-10th-anniversarywow-anniversaryWed, 06 Aug 2014 13:00:00 -040099|20942907http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/15/age-of-conan-kicks-off-the-festival-of-bloodshed-for-its-anniver/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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What's the best way to celebrate six years for Age of Conan? Obviously, by encouraging the players to kill each other! In the game, we mean. Put down that hammer. The Festival of Bloodshed is a new event that will be running for one week every month, offering players a chance to take part in all-new PvP modes and events while earning fantastic prizes.

On PvP servers, the zone flagged for the Festival will rotate from place to place, while on the game's dedicated PvE server the festival will take place in the Border Kingdoms to ensure all PvP remains consensual. While in these regions, players can take part in the new Fields of Slaughter events (teams holding a designated region against all comers) as well as the Arena of Death. This comes along with new PvP daily quests, improved PvP gear, bonus experience for alternate advancement, and other rewards. So to celebrate six years of the game, read up on how you can reach out and touch someone. With a pointy bit of metal.

Festival of Bloodshed
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age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanniversaryanniversary-eventaocaoc-unchainedconanf2pfantasyfestival-of-bloodshedfree-to-playfuncomhyboriain-game-eventnewsnews-itemspatchpatchespreviewpvppvp-eventunchainedupdateupdatesThu, 15 May 2014 15:30:00 -0400319|20886702http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/19/win-some-gil-and-more-in-final-fantasy-xis-latest-mog-bonanza/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Are you the gambling type? Does the chance of winning oodles of cash or special items in a lottery thrill and excite you? Then hold on to your helms -- Final Fantasy XI'sMog Bonanza has returned! Until January 23, 2014, at 3:00 a.m. EST, players can purchase Mog Bonanza marbles (up to 10 per character) and inscribe five numbers on each in hopes of winning various prizes, from Gil to a Kraken Club to a Chocobo suit. The cost of each marble is 1,111 Gil, and winning numbers will be announced February 13th at 3:00 a.m EST. For a complete run-down of the rules and a full list of possible prizes, visit the official site.

Mog Bonanza returns
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anniversary-eventfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xigamblingin-game-eventlotteryMog-Bonanzasquaresquare-enixThu, 19 Dec 2013 19:00:00 -0500319|20792132http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/20/happy-16th-birthday-ultima-online/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/20/happy-16th-birthday-ultima-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/20/happy-16th-birthday-ultima-online/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
I've taken my share of ribbing from the youngins on the Massively staff (as well as the readers!) about my continuing obsession with Ultima Online, but I can't help it: It's hard not to love the game that effectively started it all, especially in an age when MMORPGs have veered so dramatically from the standards set for them by the earliest titles. Next week, Ultima Online turns 16, and you'd better believe we'll be at the party. To honor the game, of course -- not just to gobble free cake.

Earlier in the summer, we took a deep dive into the current state of the game (as well as its music!), but since that article ran, Mythic has been ratcheting up the update machine. It's bringing out new veteran rewards, an anniversary event complete with the usual round of anniversary festivities, and a new patch that includes tweaks to the Clean Up Britannia rewards and turn-in system, new Halloween content, and new character titles. Oh, and did I mention players will be embarking on the first part of a new dynamic story arc? With any luck, this one won't end with the brick-by-brick destruction of a beloved NPC town (but hey, at least actions in the game have permanence!).

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16th-birthdayanniversaryanniversary-eventbirthdayclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artseventeventsfantasylive-eventslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxultimaultima onlineuovet-rewardsveteran-rewardsFri, 20 Sep 2013 14:00:00 -0400319|20716016http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/09/chaos-theory-a-guide-to-the-secret-worlds-gilded-rage-event/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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One saying I grew up hearing was, "Be careful what you wish for because you might just get it!" Well in this case, I couldn't be happier that I did! After pleading the case for event encores in The Secret World, we actually have just that. Starting last Friday and lasting for two full weeks is a continuation of the Guardians of Gaia anniversary event. However, Gilded Rage is not an exact duplicate of the one enjoyed when TSW celebrated the one-year mark of its release; rather, it's an additional performance after the main event with definite similarities to the original (fighting a golem!) as well as some distinct differences (fighting A golem!). And this is the place to get the scoop on all of it!

Whether you missed the event the first go-around and you want to get in on the experience (and the AP!) this time or you are driven to complete the pet collection (gotta catch 'em all!), this is the guide for you. With tips, tricks, and valuable intel, you can make the most of this golden opportunity.

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3-faction3-factionsanniversary-eventbuy-to-playchaos-theoryclothing-itemsconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonenorefactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomGuardians-of-GaiaGuardians-of-Gaia-eventguidehorrorilluminatiin-game-eventmythologyopinionsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonMon, 09 Sep 2013 18:00:00 -0400319|20714429http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/07/wings-over-atreia-aions-birthday-bash-delivers-daily-presents/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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If you had the opportunity to celebrate your birthday for an entire month, you would, wouldn't you? I mean, what reason could you possibly have not to stretch out the festivities for four weeks... as long as you don't have to foot the whole bill, that is! Well that's exactly what Aion is doing in the weeks leading up to its fourth birthday later this month -- it's throwing a multifaceted bash with a variety of activities for Daevas to participate in.

So was can party-goes expect first? How about daily presents and the return of the Wheel of Fortunerk! You heard me right: You join the party and you get the gift! And while you might have missed part of Aion's recent summer block party event, there's no reason to this time. The Alchemy Event runs until maintenance on September 18th, so you have plenty of time to get in and start hoarding your goody bags.

While there's more a-comin' as the week's wear on, keep reading for all the details about these first festivities (and maybe a hint or two about the next ones).

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aionAlchemy-Eventanniversary-eventanniversayascensiondaily-giftseventf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-giftsfree-to-playin-game-eventin-game-eventsncsoftopinionSean-Orlikowskitruly-freeWheel-of-Furtunerkwings-over-atreiaSat, 07 Sep 2013 18:00:00 -0400319|20710311http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/13/lend-your-ears-to-guild-wars-2s-queens-speech-update/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Have you been aching for clues as to what ArenaNet has in store for the first anniversary of Guild Wars 2? We've received word that Queen Jennah is preparing to deliver her state of the nation address to the citizens of Kryta, but ArenaNet isn't ready to spoil what might happen next. The answer to whether Tyrians should await further developments with anticipation or dread may literally be up in the air.

Players, on the other hand, have plenty to look forward to: As characters created at launch reach their first birthdays, they'll receive a gift in the form of a miniature Queen Jennah, a 24-hour birthday booster item, and an experience scroll. Completion of the event meta-achievement will award an infinite watchknight tonic that will allow you to turn into one of Jennah's spooky clockwork gynoids whenever your heart desires.

Other features include a new trebuchet mastery trait line and Healing Oasis skill in World vs. World, as well as an increase to the rate of world experience gain. From August 23rd, the Black Lion Trading Company will run a 10-day sale during which limited weapon skins and items from the past year will be available for purchase.

The Queen's Speech update goes live on August 20th, and GW2 will mark its one-year anniversary on August 28th.

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anetanniversaryanniversary-celebrationanniversary-eventarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyguild-wars-2gw2living-storyncsoftqueen-jennahqueens-speechTue, 13 Aug 2013 09:00:00 -0400319|20693138http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/05/massivelys-guild-wars-2-queens-jubilee-patch-preview/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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It's party time again in Guild Wars 2! The young ruler of Kryta, Queen Jennah, is pulling out the stops to celebrate human resilience and ingenuity at the ten year anniversary of her reign. All of Kryta's allies are invited -- yes, even you. Yes, even after that unfortunate incident with the cake. This is a time of healing. All is forgiven.

ArenaNet recently invited Massively to take a peek at what it has in store for the latest living story release, Queen's Jubilee. While the developers were careful not to spoil any plot details, we did get a preview of some of the new content, features and quality of life improvements GW2 players have to look forward to. Jump past the break to check it out!

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Achievementsanetanniversaryanniversary-eventarenanetbuy-to-playeventsfantasyfeaturedfestivalsguild-wars-2gw2living-storymicrotransactionsncsoftPvPqueen-jennahqueens-jubilieewatchworkMon, 05 Aug 2013 09:00:00 -0400319|20686310http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/15/chaos-theory-been-there-done-that-got-the-guardian-event-t-s/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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The hardest part about writing about The Secret World's anniversary Guardians of Gaia event was stopping long enough to write! No, seriously, it was completely addicting; you kept thinking, "Oh, just one more guardian," and soon the entire day and half of the night was gone. And then the weekend. I should know because I hardly left the game this past week! (But let's keep that between us, shall we?)

What could be so compelling that it kept me logged in for more hours than I'm willing to admit even to comrades at a gaming site? It all started innocently enough: I simply came to the aid of someone trying for a guardian pet reward. Quite the critter aficionado myself, I was more than happy to help, Sounds harmless enough, right? Wrong! That was only the beginning. Little did I know what I was truly in for as the event turned out to be a veritable smörgåsbord of AP, SP, and loot as well as a shining example of community cooperation. And I got a t-shirt!

Unfortunately, it couldn't all be sunshine and kittens... I mean gloom and golems (this is TSW after all!). Something invariably has to go wrong, or it wouldn't be a true MMO, right? There was a definite black cloud that hung over the otherwise festive occasion. And I hope it is one that Funcom will address and dispel for any future events.

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3-faction3-factionsanniversaryanniversary-eventattack-of-the-lag-monsterbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomFusangGuardians-of-GaiaGuardians-of-Gaia-eventhorrorilluminatiloremythologyopinionpetsPvPsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonwhat-were-they-thinkingMon, 15 Jul 2013 19:00:00 -0400319|20654719http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/age-of-conan-announces-5th-anniversary-event-new-membership-per/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Just because it's a tough and gritty world in Age of Conan doesn't mean folks don't know how to celebrate. In fact, Funcom has announced fitting festivities for the fifth anniversary of this fierce fantasy world. Each day for five days starting Thursday, May 23rd, a new epic boss will begin roaming the lands of Hyboria, and each day that a boss remains unconquered it will increase its level of brutality. On the flip side, the chance for epic rewards for defeating one also increases by the day. All players, regardless, of level can join in the fight to take these monsters down, and everyone will have a chance at the rewards.

As anniversary gifts, all players will receive a one-week pass to Khitai as well as other items that can be claimed from the item shop. Members will receive a double item store discount throughout the five-day event as well as a special gift.

Starting tomorrow, membership will include account-wide double xp items, 200 bonus points per month, and a bonus AA point for every level (granted retroactively). Interested in becoming a member? Funcom is also offering a special deal through May 30th granting 50% more time with multi-month subscriptions.

Anniversary announcement
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age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanniversary-eventanniversary-eventsanniversary-giftsanniversayaocaoc-unchainedconanf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhyboriamembership-dealsunchainedWed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400319|20579688http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsDota 2 celebrated the incredible sales of its world championship interactive compendium with free gifts for all players; the compendium has now sold over 266,000 units, raising the prize fund in The International to over $2,000,000 US. Third-person MOBA SMITE has recently entered the competitive tournament scene with two new weekly $1,000 tournaments. Rise of Immortals also announced its first competitive tournament since the Battle For Graxia update and revealed details of its hilariously-named ranged centaur character Murderhoof.

League of Legends revealed the new custom item set feature coming in Patch 3.7 and published a new champion spotlight video on classic ranged carry Ashe. Guardians of Middle-Earth also released its latest paid DLC character, The Mouth of Sauron, based on a character who was originally cut from the cinematic release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Diablo III celebrated the first anniversary of its release on May 15th with anniversary livestreams and a magic-find bonus for all players. The latest patch also raised the increments in which money can be sold on the Real Money Auction House to ten million in response to massive oversupply. Path of Exile revealed details of its upcoming Patch 0.1.1.0 that will add new party loot options and other features, and Star Citizen showed off its new website with a special e-commerce section in which players can buy ships for cash.

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action-mmoaction-rpganniversaryanniversary-eventashebattle-for-graxiabattlenetbirthdayblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCompendiumcompetitive-gamingconsolecustom-item-setCustom-Item-Setsd3dawngatediablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaslightgodgodsgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguardians-of-middle-earthinfinite-crisisInteractive-Compendiumisisjokerleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmouth-of-sauronmultiplayermurderhoofnewsnot-so-massivelynsmone-yearone-year-anniversaryonline-multiplayeropinionpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgskarasmitethe-jokerthe-mouth-of-sauronthird-personvalvevideovideoswarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:00 -0400319|20574976http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/allods-online-pops-the-cork-on-its-second-anniversary/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Considering how long Allods Online was launched-but-not-officially-launched, we think it's slightly inaccurate to acknowledge gPotato's claim that this is the title's second anniversary. Still, any excuse for a party, right? Starting today, Allods Online is featuring plenty of events, giveaways, and store sales to mark the occasion.

Active players have another shot at taming a free grey wolf or earning a "Noble Hero" costume set during the anniversary. There's also a few special NPCs who will be accepting anniversary coins in exchange for an array of special goodies. If you're of a mind to spend some money, all of the item shops wares are available for 20% off through the 13th.

GPotato is also giving veteran players 250 premium crystals and an anniversary gift package for those who have been in the game prior to today. The anniversary event goes from now until June 10th.

Anniversary extravaganza
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2nd-anniversaryallodsallods-onlineanniversaryanniversary-eventastrum-nivaleventf2pfantasyfree-to-playgala-netgiveawaygpotatoin-game-eventmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamessalesecond-anniversaryFri, 10 May 2013 18:00:00 -0400319|20565279http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/eve-evolved-ten-years-of-eve-online/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Tomorrow marks a huge milestone in MMO history as sci-fi sandbox EVE Online officially turns ten years old. Released by a tiny icelandic development studio whose only previous release was a board game featuring Reykjavik's favourite cross-dressing mayor, EVE has slowly grown over the past decade to become one of the industry's biggest and most stable subscription titles. Following 2011's monoclegate scandal that led to around 8% of players quitting and CCP Games shedding 20% of its employees, this year saw EVE Online climb to new heights as it regained the playerbase's confidence and smashed the 500,000 subscriber barrier. As a special side-note, the EVE Evolved column also turned five years old last week; it has now officially been running for over half of EVE's lifetime.

The past year has been remarkably successful for CCP, with both of the year's EVE expansions being extremely well received and console MMOFPS DUST 514 finally starting to take shape. The Inferno and Retribution expansions fixed a staggering number of small issues that were broken in the game while also making big changes to bounty-hunting, piracy, and PvP across the board. We also saw huge emergent events like the Battle of Asakai, a $6,000 ship kill, and the five trillion ISK faction warfare exploit this year. With DUST 514 officially launching in just over a week on May 14th and players fired up about the upcoming Odyssey expansion, the future's looking bright for EVE Online as it heads into its second decade.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at some of year's top EVE stories, stories that touched real life, and what the future holds for EVE's second decade.

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6000-dollarsanniversaryanniversary-eventbounty-huntingcapsuleerccpccp-gamesconsolecrimewatchcynocyno-vigildeaddeathdecadedustdust-514eveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-sourceexpansionexpansionsexploitfaction-warfarefanfestfeaturedfpsinfernointernet-spaceshipsinterviewinterviewskillkillmailkillmailslibyammofpsnuke-them-from-orbitodysseyopinionpiracyplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpretributionsafetysandboxsci-fisean-smithsecond-decadeship-killshooterspreadsheets-onlineten-year-anniversaryten-yearsten-years-oldthe-second-decadetrailervideovigilvile-ratweapon-safetySun, 05 May 2013 18:00:00 -0400319|20558257http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/celebrate-world-of-tanks-second-anniversary-with-livestream-eve/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Today marks the second anniversary of World of Tanks in the US, and Wargaming is inviting players to join the festivities. To celebrate, the studio is hosting a 12-hour livestreaming marathon from 10:00 a.m. EDT through 10:00 p.m. EDT today, April 12th. Throughout the livestream, various prizes will be awarded to viewers, from WoT apparel to GUNNER eye-wear to assorted Logitech, NVIDIA, and Mad Catz gaming paraphernalia. Check out the official stream schedule for a look at what's happening which hour.

The birthday bash also includes an extravaganza of special deals. Throughout the weekend, players will enjoy 50% discounts, five times the XP earned on every first victory of the day in each vehicle, and various credit increases. But those who want to take advantage of these anniversary deals will need to be quick -- they end at 7:00 a.m. EDT on April 15th.

What's a party without a dragon piñata or two? Luckily, RIFT fans won't have to find out as the annual Carnival of the Ascended will have those and plenty more for revelers joining in the game's second anniversary celebration. But the carnival -- with its games of skill, pie-stomping contests, and special anniversary cape -- is not the only goody in today's 2.2 update. Besides the previously revealed features, PvP gets a tier 2 attunement of war. Want to see what awaits in the update? Watch the trailer after the break.

As an added bonus during the anniversary, from March 21st through April 4th all subscribers will receive a 20% increase to kill XP or planar attunement, prestige, guild XP, dungeon currency, zone event currency, and planarite. And don't forget that players can return for free from March 21st through 25th.

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anniversaryanniversary-celebrationAnniversary-eventanniversary-eventsCarnival-of-the-Ascendedconquestfantasypvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:00 -0500319|20481203http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/touring-telon-six-years-of-vanguard/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Few MMO gamers can forget the legendary bad launch of Vanguard and the drama that surrounded its development. Even fewer MMO gamers can remember what the game was like, as the population started small and stayed small. For a half-decade, the title wallowed in relative obscurity compared to the rest of SOE's lineup, and in fact, many predicted that it would be canned.

As we know now, SOE decided to go a different way. The studio threw its faith behind Vanguard last year by relaunching it as a free-to-play MMO and giving it an actual development team once more. While Vanguard isn't in the league of major sluggers in the industry, the title is now thriving and seeing a renaissance that players new and old are enjoying.

To celebrate Vanguard's 6th anniversary, we got on the phone with Producer Harvey Burgessand Game Designer Corey LeFever to take a brief tour around the latest content in the game and to talk about the road from F2P to the future.

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anniversaryanniversary-eventcity-of-brasscorey-lefeverdruidsf2pfantasyfree-to-playharvey-burgessin-game-eventinterviewisle-of-dawnrevampsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 29 Jan 2013 16:00:00 -0500319|20442302http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/captains-log-leveling-up-and-new-lockboxes-in-star-trek-online/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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I've said it once and I'll say it over and over again: It can be hard to write about a game in the weeks leading up to a scheduled event or content release. This week is no different. Star Trek Online's team is nose down into the final touches of the new material being released next week for the game's third anniversary, and new information about any of it has slowed to a crawl.

However, in the interim, we have been given the information on the contents of Star Trek Online's newest lockbox as well as the specs on the new ships either contained in the boxes or available in the Lobi store. I also had the opportunity to take part in the most recent Q XP Weekend event and actually found myself having a lot of fun.

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anniversaryanniversary-eventcaptains-logchristine thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosdenise crosbydominionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playJem Hadarlockboxlockboxesmirror universeMirrorUniverseopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweqsci-fiSeason Eightseason nineshipsStar Trek: The Next Generationstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 28 Jan 2013 13:00:00 -0500319|20439890http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/ultima-online-celebrates-15-years-with-regicide/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/ultima-online-celebrates-15-years-with-regicide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/ultima-online-celebrates-15-years-with-regicide/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsUltima Online has a big anniversary today, one that you can only really celebrate if you're the first graphical MMO on the market. This marks the game's 15th anniversary, and that's definitely the sort of thing that merits a celebration. So the staff has decided to celebrate by deposing the current ruler and ushering in a new king. (We admit that the plot may not actually involve regicide, but kings are not usually known for their calm and peaceful surrender of power.)

The changing of the king is the culmination of a seven-month plot arc, with the actual coronation of the new ruler sparking a major in-game event. If you're a former player, it's well worth jumping back in to check out what happens when power changes hands. You can also jump on past the break to see our own Beau Hindman livestreaming with the Ultima Online development team in celebration of the 15-year anniversary.

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anniversary-celebrationanniversary-eventclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artseventfantasyin-game-eventlivestreamlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxultimaultima onlineuovideovideosMon, 24 Sep 2012 20:00:00 -0400319|20332162http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/ultima-online-maps-out-remainder-of-2012/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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If you don't mind being spoiled when it comes to your favorite isometric sandbox, then you might want to head over to Ultima Online's official site, where Producer Bonnie Armstrong has spilled the beans about the game's immediate and long-term future.

Armstrong begins by laying a foundation for the game's updates, starting with Publish 78 any day now, Publish 79 around Christmas-time, and Publish 80 for early next year. She also revealed a lengthy list of features that the team is thinking about implementing for UO, including high-res art, a better UI, new sea creatures and encounters, and a battleground shard. Specifics about each publish's contents are still up in the air, although Armstrong says the team will post them soon enough.

For Ultima Online's 15th anniversary, Armstrong says that Mythic is bringing back the Return to Britannia promotion for all of September. This means that any former UO subscribers will be welcome to come back and play free of charge. The team will be distributing anniversary rewards during the month as well.

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15-years15th-anniversaryanniversaryanniversary-eventanniversary-eventsbonnie-armstrongclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasyin-game-eventlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentproducers-letterpromotionpublish-78publish-79publish-80return-to-britanniasandboxultimaultima onlineuoWed, 29 Aug 2012 17:00:00 -0400319|20312287http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/need-for-speed-world-celebrates-its-second-anniversary/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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It seems like only a scant few months have passed since we covered the launch of Need for Speed World, EA's street racing MMO. But NFSW celebrates its second anniversary today, kicking it off with a double XP boost for everyone as well as a free Chevy Camaro ZL1 for all registered players.

In honor of the occasion, the dev team invited us to a group interview session culminating in a race-off during which we got to show just how hot (or not) our racing skills were. Lead Producer Marc de Vellis and Lead Designer Melvin Teo were on hand to answer our questions and talk about how the game has grown over the past two years. They enthusiastically discussed the ways they've developed NFSW as a result of community feedback, both in terms of game features and in terms of community interaction. Read on for a look at what changes they've made to keep their virtual drivers coming back for another lap.